As Hawthorn’s first final against West Coast beckons, Senior Coach Alastair Clarkson this morning stressed the team is focused on the ‘here and now’.
 
While the Hawks were able to secure a win against the Eagles in Round 19, Clarkson admitted that playing a final in Perth is one of the hardest tests in footy, however it is a challenge his team is looking forward to.
 
Ruck duo Nick Natainui and Callum Sinclair were both notable absentees the last time the teams met and Clarkson admits their presence on Friday night will make for a tough contest in the middle of the ground.
 
“We know that the ruck area of the ground for West Coast is a really pivotal. We need to compete ferociously in that part of the ground,” Clarkson said.
 
With the Eagles’ boasting a tall forward line, the Hawthorn match-committee will no doubt spend time this week debating match-up for the Eagles potent forward duo of Jack Darling and Josh Kennedy.
 
“What we have been able to explore in the last two weeks in particular, is Frawley being able to play forward or back,” Clarkson said.
 
"We’re pleased that flexibility gives us some options in our back end as we’re going to need them. They have a very, very potent forward line."  
 
The Hawks coach said Luke Hodge’s drink driving offence and subsequent media coverage would not hinder their focus towards Friday’s match.
 
“It’s difficult, but no club is foreign to this stuff,” Clarkson said.
 
“We have become as a footy club really resilient at being able to deal with these (issues) in an appropriate manner”.